I think the kid is supposed to be Jake. Spoiler? The big reveal at the end of the series is that Roland's quest was a giant repeating loop with slight variation, ala 'Groundhog Day'. I read an article in 'Wired' that said this would represent a different loop through the cycle then the books.

I didn't expect Idris Elba as Roland, but he is a fine actor who can pull off a taciturn bad-ass. It's Matthew Maconoghy as Martin/Walter that throws me off. Now every time the Man in Black gives an evil soliloquy, I will picture him high as a kite playing bongos.

I do not anticipate this to be good, but I hope to be wrong.